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The National FFA Organization recently announced the results of the National FFA Evaluations. Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter was selected as a 3-Star National Chapter for the National FFA Chapter Award Program. A 3-star is the highest award a chapter can be recognized for in the National Chapter process. In order to be considered for such an honor, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter had to place in the top 10% in the state of Ohio. In May, the chapter learned that they were in the Top 10 in the state and would have their application forwarded to national evaluations.
Additionally, the Miami East FFA Chapter was named a Models of Innovation Finalist in the area of Student Development for the National Chapter Award Program. The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter is a Top 10 in the nation in Student Development. Two chapter members will now present at the National FFA Convention in Louisville to be named the National Winner in Student Development and will be recognized on stage.
This is the 15th straight year that the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter will be recognized at the National FFA Convention in their National Chapter Award program. Two students will receive the plaque on stage during the National FFA Convention, October 29 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The National FFA Chapter Award program recognized FFA chapters for developing and conducting a detailed Program of Activities (POA). These activities and projects provide opportunities for members to achieve in the areas of student, chapter, or community development. Every year, chapters are recognized as having earned a one-, two-, or three-star rating on their National Chapter application.
Emily Beal, Kelsey Kirchner, and Nathan Teeters will compete and be recognized for a being a National Proficiency Finalists. They have placed in the Top 4 in the nation in their respected areas. Beal is a finalist in the area of Goat Production for her goat herd sales and growth. Kirchner is a finalist in the area of Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship for her business, Kelsey’s K-9 Kookies and marketing at multiple farmers markets. Teeters is a finalist in the area of Emerging Agricultural Technology for his job placement at Buckeye Ag Testing, Troy. They each earn a cash prize, plaque and recognition on the main stage at convention. Beal, Kirchner, and Teeters will interview for the title of National Proficiency Winner and a trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2016.
Kolin Bendickson and Daniel Bodenmiller will receive the American FFA Degree on Saturday, October 31. This is an honor that only 3,500 FFA members across the country will accomplish. Their applications were forwarded to the National FFA because they have been a successful leader, been involved in various community service activities, earned at least $10,000 from their Supervised Agricultural Experience program, and been an active member of the FFA.
Additionally, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter is guided by strong leadership provided by the 2015-16 officer team. The team met over the summer in a Summer Officer Retreat to plan for the upcoming school year and FFA activities. The officers are: Emily Beal, President; Kelsey Kirchner, Vice President; Katie Bodenmiller, Secretary; Katie Bendickson, Treasurer; Emma Linn, Reporter; Hunter Sharp, Sentinel; Alyssa Westgerdes, Student Advisor; and Nathan Teeters, Chaplain. Their advisor is Marie Carity. The Miami East Ag Ed Program is a satellite program of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members as part of 7,665 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is
an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
